Photo Credit: Nick Pearce
INWED 2025: Celebrating Women Engineers and Building an Inclusive Future
Each year on June 23rd, we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day (INWED)—a global initiative to recognize the achievements of women engineers and inspire the next generation. Originally launched in the UK by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), INWED has grown over the past 12 years into a worldwide movement with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) patronage. WES itself was founded during the First World War to advocate for women who stepped into engineering roles and continues today to champion diversity and inclusion in the profession.
This year, Engineers Nova Scotia proudly highlights some of the remarkable women engineers in our province—trailblazers at every stage of their careers. Their stories reflect the power of mentorship, resilience, and community in shaping a more inclusive future.
While more women are entering engineering, the profession still faces a gender imbalance. INWED plays a vital role in encouraging young women and girls to explore engineering careers and envision themselves as leaders. In male-dominated fields, it’s essential to find mentors and allies who offer support, empathy, and opportunity.
As only the eighth woman to serve as President of Engineers Nova Scotia in over a century, I honour those who broke barriers before us, those forging their path today, and those yet to come. Together, we can build an engineering industry that reflects the diversity of the society it serves and is equipped to solve the greatest challenges of our time.
Let’s continue to break down barriers, elevate voices, and engineer a future where everyone belongs.
Dr. Sue Molloy, FCAE, P.Eng., President, Engineers Nova Scotia
Standing Together: Celebrating Women in Engineering
Today, on International Women in Engineering Day, we stand in solidarity with women engineers across Canada and around the world. While women aged 20–64 make up nearly half of Canada’s population, they remain underrepresented in engineering education and practice.
At Engineers Nova Scotia, we believe that transparency drives progress. As of April 2025, women represent 24% of Engineers-in-Training and 16% of Professional Engineers in our province. These numbers reflect progress—but also the work still ahead.
We celebrate the women shaping our profession with innovation, resilience, and leadership. Their contributions are transforming engineering and inspiring future generations. But celebration alone isn’t enough.
Being an ally means more than support—it means action. It means challenging outdated mindsets, amplifying women’s voices, and creating space for diverse perspectives. It means recognizing that equity is not a women’s issue— it’s a professional imperative.
Mentorship and sponsorship are powerful tools. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or just starting out, your encouragement can help open doors and build confidence. By sharing stories, offering guidance, and advocating for inclusive practices, we all contribute to a stronger, more dynamic profession.
Let’s continue to celebrate women in engineering—not just today, but every day. Let’s commit to building a future where every aspiring engineer sees a place for themselves.
Together, through allyship, advocacy, and action, we can create an engineering community that reflects the full diversity of talent in our society.
Pal Mann, CD, FCSSE, ICD.D., P.Eng., CEO & Registrar, Engineers Nova Scotia
Gender Distribution, Professional Engineers
Dr. Monica Ghosn, P.Eng.
Fire Protection Engineer and Building Code Consultant at RJ Bartlett Engineering
Dr. Monica Ghosn is a Professional Engineer specializing in fire protection and building code consulting at RJ Bartlett Engineering, a division of CBCL Limited. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a focus on Fire Dynamics from Dalhousie University, where she also earned her B.Eng. in Environmental Engineering. Her academic journey began with a B.Sc. from Saint Mary’s University.
Born in Nova Scotia to Lebanese-Canadian parents, Monica’s values are deeply rooted in family, resilience, and cultural pride. Inspired by her mother, Lena Metlege Diab—Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship—Monica pursued higher education with determination. Watching her mother complete law school while raising three children instilled in her a drive to break boundaries and lead by example.
While completing her Ph.D., Monica was also a varsity soccer player, earning Academic All-Canadian honors for five consecutive years. This dual commitment taught her discipline, teamwork, and time management—skills she now applies in her engineering career and as a mother of two.
In her current role, Monica ensures that fire protection systems and building designs meet rigorous safety standards. “This work is meaningful,” she says, “because it protects lives, strengthens building resilience, and reduces the environmental impact of fire-related damage.”
She encourages others to embrace their full identity:
“You can wear many hats. You don’t need to fit one specific mold. Embrace who you are—it makes you a better engineer and team member."
Monica continues to lead with purpose, blending technical expertise with a passion for safety, education, and inclusion.
Melika Hassanpouramiri, P.Eng.
Quality Manager at Graphite Innovations & Technologies
Melika Hassanpouramiri is a seasoned chemical engineer with over 25 years of experience in quality management, petrochemical operations, and engineering leadership. Originally from Iran, she holds a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Tarbiat Modares University in Tehran.
In 2021, Melika and her family moved to Canada in search of new opportunities. With support from the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), she successfully transitioned into the Canadian workforce, bridging her international experience with local standards and practices.
Melika now serves as the Quality Manager at Graphite Innovations & Technologies (GIT), a coating manufacturing company. In this role, she ensures that products and services meet rigorous safety and performance standards. She finds the work deeply meaningful, as it supports innovation, protects end-users, and promotes sustainable manufacturing.
Known for her problem-solving mindset, Melika views quality not just as a job function but as a way of thinking. “As a lifelong learner, I gain just as much from the people I work with as I do from formal training,” she says. “There are no limits in life when we stay committed to growth.”
She encourages others—especially newcomers—to embrace every opportunity, ask questions, and lead with confidence.
“Believe in yourself, even when the path seems uncertain. Your experiences, no matter where they come from, are valuable. Keep pushing boundaries; because if you don’t limit yourself, no one else can.”
Melika continues to inspire through her dedication to excellence, her resilience in adapting to change, and her belief in the power of continuous learning.
Photo Credit: Hilary Hendsbee
Bailee Williams, P.Eng.
Mining Engineer at Nova Construction
Bailee Williams is committed to improving modern-day mining, taking what used to be acceptable practices to new heights.
As a Mining Engineer with Nova Construction, she is responsible primarily for mine and quarry permitting, planning, development and reclamation. She is also an advanced-licensed drone pilot and has helped build a successful drone surveying program at Nova Construction, as a useful tool for mine and quarry planning, reclamation and road building.
She also gathers perspective by building strong relationships within the industry to help advance projects for the benefit of communities.
"Trust your instinct, and make connections. The more you talk to people and engage in your community and your passions, the more successful you'll be."
She says the most important people to ask questions to are the people who do the work, especially the ones building the roads and mining the material. “It's one thing to sit in an office and make a plan, but talking to those operators, surveyors, supervisors and safety people to understand how things will actually work, makes a big difference in how an engineer develops a plan that will work.”
Bailee says Nova Construction strives to build and improve roads across the province, and for many years also mined and reclaimed seven coal mine sites that were previously undermined on unsafe or unusable lands. Nova worked to mine through both documented and undocumented underground mine workings, using surface mining methods, and then backfilled and reclaimed the sites to where they are safe and useable lands again.
Bailee Williams says her greatest success so far is being a part of the ongoing reclamation of the Stellarton Surface Coal Mine, and seeing how 28 years of surface mining and progressive reclamation has benefitted the community. “Love what you do, that's the easiest and best way to make a living, but also a great life.”
Sarah Foster Hardy , P.Eng.
Partner & Senior Structural Engineer at Harbourside Engineering Consultants
Sarah Foster Hardy is a structural engineer with a strong foundation in infrastructure design, specializing in bridges and heavy civil structures. She holds both a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Master of Science in Engineering from Queen’s University.
As a Partner at Harbourside Engineering Consultants, Sarah leads with a commitment to mentorship and continuous learning. “My advice to engineers at any stage is to seek workplaces that foster growth and collaboration,” she says. Her leadership style reflects this philosophy, cultivating a team environment that values creativity and technical excellence.
Sarah recently played a key role in the award-winning Highway 104 twinning project, recognized with the prestigious Lieutenant Governor’s Award. She was responsible for designing bridge pier structures and foundations, as well as conducting senior review and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) for geometric elements. “This recognition reflects the dedication and teamwork that define our organization,” she notes.
Much of the project’s design and drafting occurred during the height of the pandemic, presenting unique challenges. “Engineering is inherently collaborative,” Sarah explains.
"Working remotely pushed us to adapt quickly, and overcoming those hurdles made the final outcome even more rewarding."
Seeing the completed structures—once only lines on paper—brought a deep sense of accomplishment. Sarah’s work continues to shape the build environment while inspiring the next generation of engineers through her leadership and example.
Sara Fedullo, E.I.T.
Chemical and Process Engineer-in-Training | CEO & Co-Founder of Hollo Medical
Sara Fedullo is a trailblazing chemical and process engineer-in-training whose journey from Benevento, Italy, to Nova Scotia reflects her courage, innovation, and commitment to inclusive engineering. A first-generation STEM graduate from Dalhousie University, she bridges technical expertise with human-centered design to create meaningful impact in the medical technology sector.
As CEO and co-founder of Hollo Medical, Sara leads the development of compact, user-friendly respiratory devices that address a critical gap in pediatric care. Her work is driven by a clear mission: to improve the daily lives of people with chronic respiratory conditions. Hollo’s flagship product reimagines the traditional inhaler spacer—often too bulky or stigmatizing—into a discreet, pocket-sized device that empowers users, especially children, to manage their health with confidence.
"Engineering is about people. Our designs must reflect the needs and dignity of those we serve."
Beyond her technical achievements, Sara is a passionate advocate for women in STEM. She mentors aspiring engineers and champions diversity in the profession, especially for those who may not see themselves reflected in traditional engineering spaces. “I’ve learned that the most empowering moments come from trusting yourself—and from building community with others who challenge and inspire you.”
Sara embodies the spirit of collaboration and authenticity. For her, “Together We Engineer” means creating space for diverse voices, challenging assumptions, and redefining what’s possible through collective effort.
Her leadership continues to shape both the future of healthcare innovation and the culture of engineering itself.
Dr. Sue Molloy, FCAE, P.Eng.
CEO of Glas Ocean Electric | President of Engineers Nova Scotia
Dr. Sue Molloy is a pioneering ocean engineer and entrepreneur whose career bridges innovation, sustainability, and leadership. Originally from Ireland, her early fascination with the sea evolved into a lifelong pursuit of marine efficiency and clean technology. She holds a Ph.D. in Naval Architectural and Ocean Engineering from Memorial University and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering.
As CEO of Halifax-based Glas Ocean Electric, Sue leads efforts to decarbonize the marine industry by converting diesel-powered vessels to electric propulsion. Her work earned the 2021 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Engineering, recognizing her team’s impact on reducing maritime emissions through innovative design and optimization.
“My background gives me the tools to make data-driven decisions. In the face of climate urgency, I focus on clean tech solutions that are both practical and scalable.”
Sue's expertise is widely sought by the government and industry. She serves as Canadian Chair of ISO TC 8 (Ships and Marine Technology), international convenor for the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) committee on river turbine performance, and a reviewer for both U.S. and Canadian energy programs.
In addition to her leadership roles, she is an adjunct professor at Dalhousie University, where she teaches sustainable energy and marine systems. Her mentorship and advocacy continue to inspire the next generation of engineers, especially women entering traditionally male-dominated fields.
Sue's career exemplifies how engineering can drive environmental progress and shape a more sustainable future—on land and at sea.
Parteek Smagh, E.I.T.
Municipal Engineer-in-Training at the Government of Nova Scotia
Parteek Smagh is a Civil Engineer-in-Training with a passion for building resilient communities. Originally from the Punjab region of Northern India, her fascination with infrastructure began early sparked by the roads, bridges, and buildings that shaped her surroundings. That passion led her across the world to Nova Scotia, where she now serves as a Municipal Engineer-in-Training with the Government of Nova Scotia’s Department of Municipal Affairs.
Parteek holds a master’s in civil engineering from Western University and a post-graduate certificate in Construction Project Management from Fanshawe College. She earned her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Chitkara University in India.
In her current role, Parteek supports municipalities in delivering safe, reliable, and forward-thinking infrastructure. Whether improving water systems, upgrading transportation networks, or enhancing public facilities, she sees every project as an opportunity to create meaningful, lasting impact.
"This work is meaningful to me because it helps build stronger, more resilient communities
across Nova Scotia.
Her journey to Canada wasn’t without challenges; moving to a new country to pursue her education and career brought moments of uncertainty—but also growth. Parteek credits the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) for helping her navigate the transition and build the confidence to succeed.
“The journey may have its challenges, but with persistence and the right support, you can achieve incredible things,” she reflects. “Looking back now, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. It wasn’t easy, but it was absolutely worth it.”
Parteek continues to inspire others by encouraging resilience, community, and the belief that we’re always stronger together.
Holly MacLeod , E.I.T.
Project Coordinator at Dexter Construction
A graduate of Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Engineering, she began her career in a unique role: climbing 250–400 ft cell towers to perform structural inspections. This unconventional start gave her a strong foundation in independent decision-making and technical confidence.
Her early work with TEP Canada took her coast to coast, often in remote locations and sometimes by helicopter. “Reaching the top feels like standing on a mountaintop,” she says, “but unlike a mountain, you’re completely alone, surrounded by open air.” These experiences shaped her resilience and adaptability—qualities she brings to every role.
After three seasons, Holly transitioned into construction, joining Dexter Construction as a Project Coordinator. In this role, she supports commercial projects, ensuring they stay organized, on schedule, and within budget.
Holly finds meaning in work that supports the infrastructure we rely on daily—from the towers that keep us connected to the water systems that serve our communities.
" The work I’ve done so far in my career is meaningful to me because it contributes to the infrastructure we rely on every day. From the towers that keep us connected to the water systems that serve our communities, and the residential and commercial developments that shape how we live and work."
Holly’s journey reflects a passion for engineering, a willingness to take the road less traveled, and a commitment to building the systems that support modern life.
Kaila Kelly, P.Eng.
Energy Manager at Efficiency Nova Scotia
Kaila Kelly is a Professional Engineer with a passion for sustainable innovation and community engagement. A 2021 graduate of Dalhousie University with a degree in Chemical Engineering, she quickly advanced at Efficiency Nova Scotia to become the dedicated Energy Manager for Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
In her role, Kaila develops and implements long-term energy solutions that support cleaner, more sustainable communities. “As an engineer, I am driven by the desire to see the bigger picture and to work on longterm solutions that benefit both the local community and the province,” she says.
Outside of work, Kaila brings her passion for engineering to the next generation. After a casual conversation during a Sunday night darts game at the New Waterford French Club, she began volunteering with local Girl Guides groups. Through hands-on workshops, she introduces girls to engineering concepts using activities like efficiency bingo, carbon footprint tracking, windmill building, and solar oven s’mores.
These sessions are part of Engineers Canada’s “There’s a Place for YOU in Engineering” badge initiative, which encourages young girls to explore STEM fields under the guidance of professional engineers.
"They may not yet realize the impact women can have in male-dominated trades but these sessions show them the joy engineering can bring and the positive change it can make."
Kaila has already led workshops in New Waterford and Dominion and looks forward to expanding her mentorship. Her goal: to one day inspire a Girl Guide who chooses to follow in her footsteps.
Dani Suart, P.Eng.
Geotechnical Engineer at Harbourside Geotechnical Consultants
Dani Suart is a geotechnical engineer whose work reflects a deep commitment to collaboration, curiosity, and community impact. A graduate of Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Engineering, she also holds a Physics degree and Engineering Diploma from St. Francis Xavier University.
Dani’s journey began as a co-op student at Harbourside Geotechnical Consultants, where she contributed to the Highway 104 Twinning project. Her early research on the geotechnical properties of reworked clay till in Nova Scotia directly informed embankment design. She later supported the project through lab testing, geotechnical reporting, and on-site quality assurance—including compaction testing, dynamic pile testing, and footing inspections.
"Seeing our work become something tangible and used by people is incredibly fulfilling."
She believes engineering thrives when teams draw on diverse experiences, and encourages young engineers to embrace challenges and lean on others for support.
For Dani, “Together We Engineer” means building trust, sharing knowledge, and shaping infrastructure that serves communities for generations to come.
Photo Credit: Nick Pearce
Dr. Amina Stoddart, P.Eng.
Professor of Civil and Resource Engineering at Dalhousie University
Dr. Amina Stoddart is a leading civil and environmental engineer whose work is transforming how communities approach water and wastewater treatment. A proud Dalhousie University alumna, she holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering and a Bachelor’s in Biological Engineering. Her journey into engineering was inspired by family and shaped by mentorship—most notably from Dr. Jennie Rand, who helped affirm her place in the profession.
Amina’s research is rooted in real-world impact. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she developed a UV LED method to disinfect N95 masks, earning her the Engineers Nova Scotia L.A. White Young Engineer Award. That innovation led to a world-first pilot project with Halifax Water, using UV LEDs to treat up to 500 gallons of wastewater per minute.
As Canada Research Chair, Amina leads a team tackling the challenges of aging infrastructure, climate change, and public health. She is passionate about building sustainable, resilient systems that serve both people and the planet.
For Amina, “Together We Engineer” means advancing science through collaboration, equity, and purpose-driven innovation.
Photo Credit: Danny Abriel